11 of the best things to do in Petworth

Ease yourself into country life with a cuppa at the totally charming Tiffins Tea Room. Grab a spot at one of the pastel-coloured tables and treat yourself to a slice of one of the daily-changing homemade cake specials.

Everything in the town is walkable, so get your bearings. Start at the market square and make a beeline for Augustus Brandt for scented candles and classy ceramics. Then mosey down Lombard Street, which brims with art galleries and boutique shops – don’t miss Artful Teasing for lovely soaps.

With everything from zingy duck salads to mammoth falafel burgers, The Hungry Guest has all the bases covered. Don’t miss the Welsh rarebit, which you can (and should) upgrade with a fried egg. Stop by the excellent Hungry Guest shop afterwards (it’s a three-minute walk away) to stock up on tasty produce from the menu.

Petworth’s cobbled streets are home to loads of antique shops, so if you love rummaging through knick-knacks, you’re in the right place. With vintage jewellery, unique furniture and cute trinkets from more than 40 dealers, Petworth Antiques Market is a good place to start.

Stroll through the Shimmings Valley to the Black Horse Inn, where you can sample beer from local Sussex breweries including the nearby Langham Brewery. Sure you can cosy up by the roaring fire, but if it’s warm enough, head to the beer garden for lovely views over the valley.

Back in town, grab a pint at The Star. Dating back to 1591, it's said to be haunted by a spirit called George.

Don your walking boots and explore Petworth Park, a lush 700-acre park attached to National Trust-owned Petworth House. Don’t fancy snooping around the grand pile? Access the park for free through a separate entrance. As well as being a beautiful place to wander, it’s home to a whopping 700 fallow deer – move over, Richmond Park.

You won’t have to walk far to find your bed if you stay at The Angel Inn in the heart of Petworth. It was recently refurbished, but all of the building’s original features – wood beams, stone walls and welcoming fireplaces – are intact. Just watch your head: there are some particularly low door frames, but that’s part of the charm. Choose from seven cosy rooms and wake up to a breakfast of everything from smoked salmon and eggs to the full works. The kippers are an unexpected treat. After a night here, you’ll struggle to remember why you ever need to return to London. From £120 a night.